Working with Dyslexia: Linking Theory, Assessment and Practice (AMBDA)

This associate scheme is designed for professionals who wish to apply to the British Dyslexia Association (BDA) for Associate Membership of the British Dyslexia Association (AMBDA) and an Assessment Practicing Certificate (APC) that demonstrates their proficiency as a specialist teacher and assessor for learners with Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs - Dyslexia).

Current Joint Examination Board regulations recognise teachers who hold AMBDA and an APC as qualified to carry out assessments of learners needing special access arrangements in examinations such as SATs, GCSEs, AS/A-Levels and the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA).

Applications from those without Qualified Teacher Status is encouraged, but evidence of a minimum of two full-time years (or equivalent) of classroom teaching experience is required.

Key Course Information

​Location: ​Newport / Student’s workplace
Course Length: 1 Year Part Time
Start Dates: September

More about the scheme

The content of the scheme is governed by the BDA’s criteria for AMBDA accreditation and includes: Individual approaches to the management of those with specific learning difficulties needs, the construction of individual learner profiles/teaching programmes, and maintenance of professional and personal Teaching Practice Portfolios, developing knowledge and understanding of dyslexia, maths and dyscalculia, the application of multi-sensory teaching approaches, effective use of  ICT / assistive technology to support individual learning and teaching, and the social and psychological implications of experiencing SpLD (dyslexia).

To achieve the award students must satisfactorily complete, with tutor support: 30 hours of specialist teaching on an individual basis with a range of dyslexic learners, supported by a teaching practice portfolio and three diagnostic assessments and reports.

Designed for

  • Professionals working in educational settings and the third sector.

Career paths

  • Specialist dyslexia support, education, private consultancy services.

Skills taught

  • Screening and assessment of dyslexia
  • Critical use of data to create intervention programmes for individual learners
  • Making appropriate adjustments to curriculum or workplace practices to accommodate the needs of those with SpLDs
  • Supporting and advise colleagues to react appropriately to the needs of those with dyslexia

Students must demonstrate a sound knowledge of good practice in supporting learners with dyslexia through prior successful completion of the Associate Teachers Scheme/ Associate Professionals Scheme (dyslexia) and a broad understanding of inclusive education, via level 7 study. They must also be actively involved in supporting learners with dyslexia before starting the scheme.